The truck trailer dealer industry had a market size of 37 billion USD in 2022. This is unsurprising, especially when the demand for quality trucks and trailers continuously rises, meeting the demands of other industries that rely on their operations at the same time. Along with the need for top-grade vehicles are hitches that take towing setups up a notch.
Gooseneck hitches are one of the many options for truckers and businesses seeking to upgrade their towing capacity. What are gooseneck hitches, and how can they benefit your clients? Let’s find out.
What Is a Gooseneck Hitch?
A gooseneck hitch is a Class V hitch mounted into the pickup truck bed, providing a trailer ball for the gooseneck trailer connection. It’s called the “gooseneck” hitch because it resembles a goose’s neck. While the name sounds adorable, the hitch is anything but. Gooseneck hitches are for maximum towing power and stability, allowing drivers to carry up to 30,000 pounds of agricultural products, livestock, and heavy-duty equipment.
What Are the Components of a Gooseneck Hitch?
A gooseneck hitch has two main components: the ball hitch and the plate (if applicable). The ball hitch, mounted on top of a platform in the truck bed, connects to the gooseneck hitch coupler on a trailer. Some systems have a plate on the truck bed, allowing the hitch ball to protrude upward.
A gooseneck trailer hitch lock is an added layer of security, fitting on or around the coupler and locking it in place. Most systems also have anchors for connecting safety chains. Generally, gooseneck hitches allow truck-trailer combinations to turn and maneuver safely and more efficiently than other types of hitches.
What Are the Types of Gooseneck Hitches?
There are three basic gooseneck options that truck or trailer owners can choose from:
Gooseneck Puck System Kit
Nowadays, many pickups are factory-equipped with truck bed puck systems, which provide attachment points for gooseneck hitches. Trucks with puck systems can opt for a gooseneck puck system kit to equip trailers for towing. Puck systems vary across brands, so choosing a kit that matches the system is crucial.
Traditional Gooseneck Hitch
The best option for trucks without factory-equipped puck systems is a traditional gooseneck hitch installation. Kits have hardware and brackets for bolting onto truck frames and beds. Note that some trucks with safety chain U-bolts may require drilling and modifications to fit the system.
5th Wheel Gooseneck Hitch
Lastly, the 5th wheel gooseneck hitch is an excellent option for those looking to tow bigger and heavier loads. One major difference between a standard gooseneck hitch and a 5th wheel variant is truck bed spacing. 5th wheel hitches are designed to occupy much more space than standard hitches, allowing for greater carrying capacity.
If a truck already has permanent 5th wheelbase rails, compatible gooseneck hitches are available in the market. As a result, trucks get a 5th wheel or gooseneck adapter.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Gooseneck Hitches?
Many rely on gooseneck hitches for their power and ability to haul up to 30,000 pounds. They’re incredibly secure and stable, too! What makes them even more convenient are the following:
Small and Unobtrusive Additions
Gooseneck hitches are sleeker and more compact than other hitches. As a result, they only take up a little room, making them ideal for limited spaces. Furthermore, they don’t require the installation of a bed rail system, making them less intrusive and easier to install.
Flip-Over or Removable
Some gooseneck hitch models can be flipped over or removed, creating a smooth truck bed. This feature makes them much easier to use and store when not in use.
Usable With Attachments That Can Connect to Ball Hitches
Truck or trailer owners can use attachments that fit into the gooseneck ball hitch, meaning they’re compatible with a range of different attachments and accessories.
It’s important to consider that gooseneck hitches are less common. Custom installations and truck bed modifications may require a professional for a secure fit. For non-ball hitches, adapters and other accessories may be needed.
Installing a Gooseneck Hitch
The advantages of gooseneck hitches outweigh the disadvantages, so the installation process only becomes a question of quality and price. Gooseneck hitches are the best option for heavy-duty towing, and the installation requires careful planning and consideration of the type of hitch, truck bed, and trailer. Gooseneck hitch installation isn’t universal, but here are three vital factors to consider:
Perfect Placement
Finding the “sweet spot” for the gooseneck hitch is crucial. This step requires measuring the truck bed and trailer frame to determine the exact location of the hitch mount. Measure from the back of the glass of the towing truck; we recommend 2-4 inches ahead of the rear axle to achieve the perfect placement. This placement ensures wide and tight turns without damage to the truck or trailer. If it is too much for some vehicles or service bodies, we recommend shortening the measurement by a few inches.
Necessary Modifications
As mentioned earlier, some trucks must undergo modifications to accommodate the gooseneck hitch. Some will need drilling toward the middle of the truck bed to secure ball hitches to the frames. Trucks with factory-equipped puck systems may also need minor changes.
DIY or Professional
It’s possible to do a gooseneck hitch installation on your own, but we strongly recommend seeking the help of a professional. Professional installers have all the necessary tools and knowledge to do the job safely and quickly. Plus, they have the experience to know what modifications are required for different truck models.
PopUp Hitch: Gooseneck Hitches with Built-In Strength
At PopUp Hitch, we take gooseneck hitches one step further! Our redesigned PopUp gooseneck hitch allows smoother, trouble-free actions, replacing the cam mechanism with a simple, reliable slide. We focus on convenience without sacrificing strength, with hitches rated at 7,500 pounds maximum tongue weight, accommodating the maximum trailer weight of 30,000 pounds.
Installation is quick and easy with PopUp Hitch. Our gooseneck hitches prove that strength is built-in, guaranteeing secure connections that are not prone to failure. We understand the importance of safety and convenience during towing and have incorporated features that make these hitches the ultimate choice. For gooseneck hitches that take the hassle out of hauling, contact PopUp Hitch today!